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Brief description:

To understand about the difference for various aspects in mettalic & electrolytic
conductors.

Electrical conductance through metals is called metallic or electronic conductance and is

due to the movement of electrons. The electronic conductance depends on (i) the nature and
structure of the metal (ii) the number of valence electrons per atom (iii) temperature (it
decreases with increase of temperature).

The conductance of electricity by ions present in the solutions is called electrolytic or

ionic conductance. The conductivity of electrolytic (ionic) solutions depends on: (i) the
nature of the electrolyte added (ii) size of the ions produced and their solvation (iii) the nature
of the solvent and its viscosity (iv) concentration of the electrolyte (v) temperature (it
increases with the increase of temperature).

Explanation of following terms:

Resistance & Resistivity

R ∝ l/ A or R = ρ l /A

Its SI units are ohm metre (Ω m)

Conductance & Conductivity

The inverse of resistance, R, is called conductance, G.

G = 1 /R = A/ρl=κ A /l

‘S’ and is equal to ohm–1 (also known as mho) or Ω –1

Conductivity of a material in S m –1 is its conductance when it is 1 m long and its area of

cross section is 1 m2 .

Measurement of the Conductivity of Ionic Solutions

We know that accurate measurement of an unknown resistance can be performed on a

Wheatstone bridge. However, for measuring the resistance of an ionic solution we face two
problems. Firstly, passing direct current (DC) changes the composition of the solution.
Secondly, a solution cannot be connected to the bridge like a metallic wire or other solid
conductor. The first difficulty is resolved by using an alternating current (AC) source of
power. The second problem is solved by using a specially designed vessel called conductivity
cell.
Teaching aid

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFDqmjCoctE

Objective

 They will understand about the difference for various aspects in metallic &
electrolytic conductors.
 define resistivity (ρ), conductivity (κ) and molar conductivity (✆ m ) of ionic
solutions;
 differentiate between ionic (electrolytic) and electronic conductivity;

HW

 Intext question:
 Example question: 2.4, 2.5, 2.6
 Exercise questions: 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 2.10, 2.11

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Conductivity (k)

The conductivity of a solution at any given concentration is the conductance of one unit
volume of solution kept between two electrodes.

The conductivity of solutions of different electrolytes in the same solvent and at a given
temperature differs due to charge and size of the ion of a solution of an electrolyte. ions in
which they dissociate, the concentration of ions or ease with which the ions move under a
potential gradient. It, therefore, becomes necessary to define a physically more meaningful
quantity called molar conductivity denoted by the symbol Λm

Λm = 1000k/M

the units of Λm are in S m2 mol–1

Variation of Conductivity and Molar Conductivity with Concentration

  Both conductivity and molar conductivity change with the concentration of the
electrolyte.
 Conductivity always decreases with decrease in concentration both, for weak and
strong electrolytes. This can be explained by the fact that the number of ions per unit
volume
 Molar conductivity increases with decrease in concentration. This is because the total
volume, V, of solution containing one mole of electrolyte also increases.

Comparison of molar conductivity of strong & weak electrolyte.

Limiting molar conductivity

When concentration approaches zero, the molar conductivity is known as limiting molar
conductivity

For Strong electrolyte - Extrapolation method will be used

For weak Electrolyte Kohlrausch law will be used.

Teaching Aid:

Experiment to determine the difference in conductivity of strong & weak electrolyte.

Objective

 Describe the method for measurement of conductivity of electrolytic solutions and

calculation of their molar conductivity
 Justify the variation of conductivity and molar conductivity of solutions with change
in their concentration and define ° Λ m (molar conductivity at zero concentration or
infinite dilution)

H/W

 Intext question: 2.7,2.8, 2.9

 Example question: 2.7, 2.8, 2.9

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